

The Morning Ritual
Lilly Macfarlane
For centuries, rituals have offered a sense of structure, meaning, and clarity in daily life. The Morning Ritual is a podcast devoted to exploring the power of daily practices. Here, we believe that transformation doesn’t happen in a single moment, but in the quiet, consistent choices we make every day. By showing up for ourselves through ritual, we learn how to show up more fully for our relationships, our work, our communities — and the world.Each week, host Lilly Macfarlane sits down with teachers, artists, healers, and entrepreneurs to explore how their daily rituals help them stay grounded, clear, and aligned with their purpose. This podcast isn’t just for early risers or seasoned meditators. It’s for anyone curious about living with more presence, depth, and integrity. Rate, review & most importantly, enjoy! Let's connect! Don't be shy, please reach out on: www.lillybalch.com Instagram: @_themorningritual https://substack.com/@themorningritual
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2024 • 55min
Winter Solstice and 2025 Predictions with Astrologer Barrie Dolnick
Astrologer Barrie Dolnick, a former marketing professional turned spiritual guide, shares her transformative journey into astrology and tarot. She explains the profound significance of Saturn Returns and how to navigate personal growth through emotional upheaval. Barrie dives into practical rituals for the upcoming Winter Solstice, offering insights for setting heartfelt intentions. She also makes intriguing predictions for 2025, discussing shifts in power dynamics and the rise of younger generations. The conversation wraps up with advice on using astrology to harness love and connection.

Nov 20, 2024 • 27min
Yoga Therapy: Bridging Mind, Body, and Spirit with Dana Slamp
Lilly records with her mentor and longtime teacher, Dana Slamp, at her studio in London. Dana Slamp is the founder of NYC's premier Yoga Therapy School, Prema Yoga Institute. Lilly and Dana discuss the what, why, and how of yoga therapy. Towards the end of their conversation, Dana demonstrates what ‘motivational interviewing’ is and coaches Lilly in real time.Dana and Lilly cover the following topics:1:50 - What is ‘Yoga Therapy’?3:35 - Why would someone work with a yoga therapist?5:15 - Cartesian thought and why the mind and body may be ‘disconnected’8:00 - Lilly and Dana share what makes them feel whole11:30 - “The difference between longing and belonging is being.” - DS13:20 - A turning point in Dana’s life19:30 - Dana and Lilly practice ‘Motivational Interviewing’You can learn more and connect with Dana at www.danaslamp.comEnjoying The Morning Ritual? It would mean the world if you left a rating and/or review.Connect with Lilly at www.lillybalch.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Nov 13, 2024 • 11min
A Focused Mind is a Happy Mind
This episode was inspired by the widely known study ‘A Wandering Mind is an Unhappy Mind’ (check out the study below). Let’s slow down, focus the mind, and connect back to the present moment. Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com A Wandering Mind is an Unhappy Mind- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21071660/*This episode was first aired in May 2023.Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Oct 24, 2024 • 32min
East Forest on The Intersection of Music, Psychedelics, and Healing
East Forest is a pioneering figure in the psychedelic music space, known for his innovative approach to combining music and sound with personal transformation. In today's conversation, East Forest shares how he got into the world of psychedelics, what it’s like hosting mushroom ceremonies and the power of combining sound and psychedelics in ceremony. 1:28 How East Forest starts his day 2:00 The origin of the name ‘East Forest’6:05 How East Forest's path led him to craft music specifically for psychedelic experiences11:05 The integration process after a psilocybin ceremony16:00 Working with Jon Hopkins and Ram Dass, the story behind "Sit Around the Fire" and how it came to be26:00 The power of intentional listening 28:45 The felt experience that psychedelics can provide“Enlightenment comes in the next breath, it’s not actually hidden. It’s just the now and everything is fine right now. The nothingness is the gift”. - East Forest Learn more- https://eastforest.org/ Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Oct 16, 2024 • 15min
Meditation for Confidence & Radiance
Join Lilly Balch for a guided meditation designed to help you tap into your inner confidence and radiance. Through breathwork, visualization, and mindfulness, this practice will empower you to release fear, doubt, and insecurities, revealing the confident, radiant self that already resides within. This meditation will guide you in aligning with your true essence, helping you step into your day with grounded strength and authentic presence.Connect with Lilly at www.lillybalch.com and on instagram @lillybalch.Enjoying TMR? Rate, review or share with a friend!Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Oct 9, 2024 • 45min
Mastering Healthy Boundaries and Overcoming Perfectionism with Boundary Boss Terri Cole
Terri Cole, a licensed psychotherapist and personal empowerment expert, discusses the importance of healthy boundaries and overcoming perfectionism. She explains high-functioning codependency and its symptoms, especially in accomplished women, highlighting the struggle of neglecting personal needs. The conversation emphasizes that perfectionism can steal joy, advocating for embracing life's messiness instead. Terri also provides insight from her upcoming book, offering listeners practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional well-being.

Oct 2, 2024 • 11min
Meditation: Breathe, Release & Open
What are you carrying? What can you release? In today's practice you're invited to use the breath to release the past and let go of judgment.Enjoying TMR? Rate, review and/or share with a friend.Want to connect? Reach out on www.lillybalch.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 25, 2024 • 38min
Do Nothing and Achieve Everything with Barron Hanson
I loved having Barron back on the show. In today’s episode, we discuss:How meditation helped Barron navigate NYC’s hedonistic lifestyleHis return to his hometown in Australia and his documentary 'Be Here Nowra'Vedic Meditation and the Maharishi EffectThe concept of blending work with playHow meditation can help you achieve more by doing lessThis episode is filled with wisdom on slowing down, simplifying, and trusting the process of life. Plus, you’ll walk away with tangible tips to apply in your own journey.Enjoy The Morning Ritual? Be sure to rate, review, or (even better) share this episode with a friend!Connect with Barron: www.barronhanson.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 22, 2024 • 12min
Bonus Ep: Autumnal Equinox Meditation
Happy Fall! In today's episode we honor the Autumn Equinox, a moment of balance between day and night, light and dark, growth and decay. It invites us to honor this equilibrium within ourselves, to reflect on what has grown in our lives, and to release what no longer serves us. Get comfy and listen in. Download the Fall Worksheet here - www.lillybalch.com/fallritualsEnjoying the podcast? It would mean the world to me if you shared, rated and/or reviewing. Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 11, 2024 • 12min
Meditation: Embracing Strong Emotions
Enjoy this heart-centered meditation designed to help you acknowledge and care for whatever emotions arise with kindness and awareness. With the upcoming Full Moon in Pisces amplifying sensitivity and intuition, this is a powerful time for reflection and emotional release. Listen in to reconnect with your breath, identify your emotions, and offer yourself loving-kindness as you navigate the flow of your feelings.Connect with Lilly at www.lillybalch.com and on instagram @lillybalch. Enjoying TMR? Rate, review or share with a friend!Our Sponsors:* Check out Global Healing: https://globalhealing.com/healAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands